DCEC investigating 9 politicians
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption across all sectors of public life, with its latest report revealing a surge in high-profile investigations, land-related probes, and court case developments.
Addressing the media recently, DCEC Director General Botlhale Makgekgenene disclosed that only seven cases were concluded in court in 2024, resulting in three convictions, three acquittals, and one withdrawal after the accused died.
“While only seven cases were completed at the courts during the year 2024, every single outcome represents a critical step in our broader fight against corruption. We remain undeterred and focused,” Makgekgenene said.
The DCEC has seen a wave of high-profile corruption allegations, some involving politicians from both the current administration and the previous regime.
According to Makgekgenene, the number of high-profile cases under investigation has risen from 50 earlier in the year to 54, including nine cases involving politicians.
“We are pursuing every lead with the thoroughness it deserves. These cases are being handled using parallel investigation techniques including asset tracing, and financial forensics, to recover proceeds of crime,” she explained.
Between January and December 2024, the DCEC received 687 reports of alleged corruption and economic crime.
Of these, 238 reports (34 percent) were deemed actionable and investigated, while the remainder were either referred to other institutions or advised upon. In comparison, as of August 21, 2025, the DCEC had already received 612 reports, indicating a likely year-on-year increase by December.
Makgekgenene also confirmed that land corruption remains a key focus, particularly involving officials from the Mogoditshane Sub-Land Board.
While the details remain under wraps, she said it forms part of a broader investigation into irregular land allocations, with over 30 land-related cases already referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“This is still a very fresh matter which we are currently not in a position to share further information on, save to confirm that it falls within our ongoing land investigations,” she noted.
One of the most controversial matters, the so-called “Butterfly Case”, involving approximately BWP100 billion, has reportedly reached a settlement agreement with the Government of Botswana.
“This matter has not only eroded public trust but also placed immense pressure on the DCEC. However, with the government’s settlement, the matter has now been put to rest,” Makgekgenene stated.
The DCEC’s 2024 Roadmap and 2025/26 Annual Performance Plan have both zeroed in on three high-risk sectors: Procurement, Land, and Transport Licensing.
“We have strategically prioritised these sectors as they present the greatest vulnerabilities. The intention is to roll out a three-pronged strategy to address systemic corruption in these areas. Its impact will be reviewed in the coming financial years,” the Director General said.
As of 1st December 2024, the DCEC’s total caseload stood at 1,603 cases, a reduction from 1,774 cases in 2023.
Of these, 1,045 cases were under active investigation, 208 cases were under internal assessment, and 350 cases were either with the DPP or before the courts.
From January to December 2024, the Directorate disposed of 350 cases, of which 62 cases were forwarded to the DPP — marking a 38 percent increase from the 45 cases submitted in 2023.
Meanwhile, 288 cases were closed internally due to factors such as lack of evidence or administrative redirection.